Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Track Performance Measures With Category II Codes

Question: I saw numerous additions and deletions to CPT 2005's F codes. When should I report these codes?

Answer: You may want to use the optional Category II codes, which end in an "F", if your practice doesn't have an electronic medical system (EMR). The codes don't replace Category I codes, but using them may decrease your administrative burden.

Why: The Category II codes help physicians track quality measures through their existing administrative/
practice management/billing software, rather than having to undergo a chart review. The codes are for statistical purposes, not reimbursement.

Many of the codes describe components that an E/M service or laboratory test normally includes. Even though CPT 2005 contains numerous F-code additions and deletions, a reorganization of this section caused many of the changes. You may want to consider using these codes.

Other Articles in this issue of

Primary Care Coding Alert

View All
Subscribe to newsletter